How to propagate Portulacaria afra (elephant bush) from cuttings? Detailed method and steps

Flowers & Gardening Jan 1, 1970 0 views

The best time for cuttings is spring and autumn, when the survival rate of the roots is relatively high. When doing it, choose a slightly older branch, preferably one with leaves on it, trim the length to about 10 cm, leave the branch in a cool, ventilated place to dry, then insert it into a sand bed. Do not water it for the first week, and it will take root in about half a month.

1. Time

This plant has a fairly wide window for taking cuttings, and it can be done in any period, but spring and autumn are the best, because the survival rate of the roots is relatively high at this time.

2. Branch

The branch should be slightly older and grow relatively well, preferably with many side branches. We select one with leaves from it. The length of the branch is 8 to 12 cm. We should leave it in a relatively cool place to dry for one or two days, let the wound dry, and then insert it into the sand bed. Of course, we can also choose a leaf from the main stem, and once it has dried, insert it into the sand bed. It takes root quite quickly and will grow in half a month.

3. Temperature

The temperature is in the range of 20 to 25, so that it will take root relatively quickly.

4. Soil

We need to wait until the wound on the branch has dried before carrying out the subsequent steps. The soil needs to be relatively dry, so after inserting it we must not water it for a week.

5. Layering

If we really do not know how to do this, we can use layering. Make a small cut on a growing branch, and also wait until the wound dries, then press it into the soil and secure it. After about a few months it will grow roots. Once you confirm it has grown roots, cut the branch off and let it become a new plant. This is relatively safe, but you need to wait quite a long time.